What You Need To Know About The Sherwood Avid Phantom?
Key Features and Benefits
The Sherwood Avid Phantom isn’t just about solid specs—it feels like it was designed with real divers in mind.
3-D Air Cell Design
The wraparound bladder gives excellent surface support and balanced trim underwater. The suspension straps prevent squeeze and keep the BCD stable in all positions. On a long drift dive, I noticed how steady it kept me even in shifting currents.
CQR-3 Integrated Weight System
The weight pouches slide in smoothly and click into place with a reassuring snap. The large release handles are easy to find without fumbling. During one dive, I tested the quick release with thick gloves, and the weights dropped instantly—no struggle.
Rear Trim Pockets
Two rear trim weight pockets, each holding 5 lb, help fine-tune balance. Shifting some weight back leveled out my position and reduced the effort needed to stay horizontal.
Multiple Dump Valves and Power Inflator
With three dump valves—two with pull handles and one cable-activated via the inflator—you can release air quickly in any position. On a wreck dive, the inflator dump gave me fast buoyancy control without breaking focus.
Durable Construction
Made from 1000-denier nylon with RF-welded seams, this BCD feels built to last. After several rough shore entries, the material showed no wear. It’s the kind of toughness that gives peace of mind.
Adjustable Harness and Comfort Fit
The padded backplate, contoured shoulder straps, and adjustable cummerbund keep the fit snug but comfortable. Even after three dives in a day, it didn’t shift or create sore spots.
Storage and D-Rings
Two large zippered pockets hold essentials, and six stainless steel D-rings make clipping gear simple. On a night dive, I had a backup light, reel, and slate neatly stowed and accessible.
Lift Capacity Options
Available in sizes XS to 3-5XL, lift ranges from 22 to 40 lb. My medium provided 32 lb of lift, which was more than enough to handle a full tank and camera setup.
Sherwood Avid Phantom: Manufacturer's Specification
BCD Type: | Jacket-Style |
Lift Capacity (Size Medium): | ~32 lb / 14.5 kg |
Weight Integrated: | Yes |
Weight Capacity (Size Medium): | 20 lb / 9 kg in releasable pockets (10 lb each) |
Trim Pockets: | 2 non-releasable rear pockets, 5 lb / 2.27 kg each |
Dump Valves: | 3 (right shoulder, left shoulder, lower left) |
Materials: | 1000-denier nylon with urethane laminate, RF-welded air cell seams |
Number of Pockets: | 2 large zippered utility pockets |
Number Of D-rings: | 6 stainless steel D-rings |
Activity: | Recreational |
Our Rating: Sherwood Avid Phantom Review
Overall Score
4.4/5
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4.5
Fit and Comfort
The harness design is secure without feeling restrictive. The padded backplate and contoured shoulders distribute weight evenly, which makes a difference on long days with multiple dives. The adjustable cummerbund holds the BCD snug, so it doesn’t shift around once you’re in the water. On a three-dive day, I never felt sore spots or strap fatigue.
4.5
Buoyancy & Performance
The 3-D air cell keeps you steady both at the surface and underwater. It gives excellent balance when fully inflated at the surface, which makes surface swims less tiring. Underwater, the rear trim pockets help you stay in a natural horizontal position. On drift dives, it felt steady, and buoyancy adjustments through the inflator or dump valves were quick and precise.
5.0
Build Quality & Durability
The 1000-denier nylon construction and RF-welded seams are built for heavy use. I tested it with repeated shore entries on rough terrain, and the material held up with no visible wear. Hardware like the buckles and D-rings feel sturdy, and nothing rattles or shifts. It gives you confidence this BCD will last for years with proper care.
4.0
Storage & Features
The two large zippered cargo pockets provide real storage—enough for a spare mask, slate, or small light. The six stainless steel D-rings are well-placed and make clipping accessories simple. The CQR-3 weight system is smooth to load and unload, and the trim pockets add extra balance options. It’s not the lightest BCD for travel, but it makes up for that with usable features.
4.0
Value for Money
The Avid Phantom is priced in the mid-to-upper range for jacket-style BCDs. For divers who dive regularly, the durability and comfort justify the cost. It’s a strong option if you want one BCD to handle everything from local dives to week-long trips, without worrying about wear. Casual divers may find it more than they need, but frequent divers will get lasting value.
What We Like:
✅ Excellent Comfort and Fit
The padded backplate and contoured straps spread the load evenly. Even after three dives in a day, the harness stayed snug without creating pressure points. The adjustable cummerbund keeps the fit secure and stable.✅ Strong Buoyancy Control
The 3-D air cell and trim weight pockets make it easy to stay balanced. At the surface, the wraparound bladder keeps you upright without rolling. Underwater, I noticed how steady it felt in a horizontal position, even when carrying extra gear.✅ Durable Construction
The 1000-denier nylon and RF-welded seams give this BCD real toughness. I tested it on rough shore entries where gear often takes a beating, but the material and stitching held up with no signs of wear. It feels like a BCD you can rely on for years.✅ Secure Weight System
The CQR-3 weight integration system works smoothly. Loading weights is quick, and once they’re locked in, they stay put. I like how easy it is to release them on command—even with gloves. That security gives peace of mind on deeper dives.✅ Ample Storage and Attachment Points
The two zippered cargo pockets are large enough for practical use—spare mask, flashlight, or slate. Six stainless steel D-rings are placed where you need them, making it easy to clip off lights, reels, or a camera rig. It’s a good setup for divers who carry accessories.What We Don't Like:
❌ Not Ideal for Travel
The Avid Phantom isn’t a lightweight BCD. It packs bulkier than travel-specific models, so if you fly often and want to save luggage space, this might feel cumbersome.❌ Mid-to-High Price Range
The cost reflects its build and features, but casual divers may find it more than they need. If you only dive a few times a year, the value won’t be as strong compared to simpler BCDs.❌ Bulky Profile Underwater
The jacket-style design provides stability but can feel larger in the water compared to a streamlined back-inflate. I noticed slightly more drag when swimming against current compared to slimmer BCDs.The Verdict
The Sherwood Avid Phantom delivers comfort, ruggedness, and practical features in a well-rounded jacket-style BCD. It feels secure on the surface and balanced underwater, making it a strong choice for recreational divers who value stability and storage. The durable construction holds up to repeated use, while the CQR-3 weight system and trim pockets give you solid control over buoyancy and trim.
It isn’t the most compact option for travel, and its price may be more than what casual divers want to spend. But for divers who get in the water often, it offers reliability and performance that justify the investment.
This BCD is best for recreational divers who want one piece of gear that can handle local dives, multi-day trips, and years of use without compromise.
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Sherwood Avid Phantom: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The jacket-style design is intuitive, stable, and easy to control, which makes it beginner-friendly. At the same time, it has enough features and durability to serve divers as they gain more experience.
You can, but it’s not optimized for travel. The rugged 1000-denier nylon makes it heavier and bulkier compared to lightweight travel BCDs. If luggage space and weight limits matter, this may not be the best choice.
Lift capacity varies by size. A medium offers about 32 lb (14.5 kg) of lift, while larger sizes provide up to 40 lb (18.1 kg). This range is enough for most recreational diving setups, including cold-water gear.
Have you tried the Sherwood Avid PhantomBCD? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!
Sherwood Avid Phantom BCD
Discover the Sherwood Avid Phantom BCD. Rugged build, stable buoyancy, and secure weight system for recreational divers.
Product Brand: Sherwood Scuba
4.4
Pros
- Comfortable harness and padded backplate
- Stable buoyancy with 3-D air cell
- Rugged 1000-denier nylon construction
- Reliable CQR-3 integrated weight system
- Spacious cargo pockets and six stainless steel D-rings
Cons
- Bulkier than travel BCDs
- Higher price range for casual divers
- Jacket style feels less streamlined underwater